Saturday, October 16, 2010

I was due for a good idea.


I think I've been pretty clear on this blog that I love being a mom to the Monkey and the Bird. I think I've also been pretty clear that this job is hard and sometimes I'm on my game, and sometimes I'm so very far OFF my game. Sometimes I fail miserably. But every once in a while...I totally score. Today? I was on my game, people. I turned a near meltdown into a really fun morning and have the documentation to prove it.
*
It came about before lunch when Sydney and I wanted to take a walk (side note: how GORGEOUS is this sunny, chilly fall weather?!), but Carson was adamantly against it. Trent was gone serving his community at a carseat clinic, and I knew we needed to get out of the house. But Carson was pouting and refused to participate. So I announced,
"Change of plans. We are not going to take a walk."
"GOOD." Said pouty Carson.
"We are going on a Scavenger Hunt."
[reluctant, partial smile]
"It's a Picture Scavenger Hunt, so you'd better get your camera."
*
In the interest of full disclosure, I read about the idea in a magazine months ago, but had never remembered to put it into practice. I made a list of things that we were looking for and Carson was the photographer. It was a total blast and we were gone for over an hour on our hunt. Here's some of the things on the list, in case you want to try it yourself.
Sidewalk chalk


A yellow leaf

A red or orange leaf
A man hole

A brown leaf
A rock

A fire hydrant
Someone else's pumpkin
A stick
A bug
A cat or dog
( We found both!)
Self portrait


7 comments:

Jo B. said...

Carson must be a guy who needs a goal! He sure did a great job searching for and documenting his finds. Great idea, Jen! I love it!

Carrie said...

Brilliance! I'm totally stealing this one!

Unknown said...

Pink camera would have come in handy, huh? It's in my van as we speak so there is no excuses!!

butters said...

Genius Jen! I love it and I love that you're so smart so I can steal your idea some time.(:

Pascale said...

So awesome! I LOVE that idea! I think cameras might be on the list of Christmas presents just for this very idea!
I think my favorite part of that whole hunt were the tips of his boots in most of the photos. Cute or what?! An I also loved the reluctant smile as you announced your change of plan.
By the way, I have plans to steal yet another one of your ideas (as if birthday party themes and photo scavenger hunts aren't enough!) and do the advent calendar with family activites written on notes instead of chocolates. I got a gift card for pottery barn and am planning on buying this very soon!

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/telluride-advent-calendar-new/?pkey=gthmoccxms

Please please please keep sharing your amazing ideas, Jen!

Steph said...

Oooh, I think I read this article and thought it would be fun...except I forgot! But you of brilliant mind did not, and now I can partake in your creativity! Good job, mom!

PS CUTE self portrait of you three!

sarah said...

Good work mom! And thank you for the idea! LOVe the self portait of you and your munchkins!